COUNTING ON COAL

Coal Australia has released the first ever Annual Coal Report, confirming Australia’s coal sector contributed $164.9 billion to the economy, supported 782,243 jobs and underpinned 14,451 Australian businesses during the 2024-25 financial year.

The new report aims to provide detailed data and analysis of the economic and employment contribution of coal to our nation, states and local communities.

Chair of Coal Australia, Rob Bishop, said the report confirmed the national economy and jobs were “counting on coal”.

“Our industry provides good well-paying job opportunities for thousands of men and women working at mines in regional communities and suppliers who keep us running,” he said.

Rob said the Annual Coal Report had been independently prepared by Lawrence Consulting and provided a comprehensive assessment of the coal industry’s economic footprint across Australia at the national, state, regional, local government and electorate level.

Overall, Brisbane recorded the largest share of direct expenditure by region in 2024-25 ($17.0 billion) followed by Sydney ($8.5 billion). Outside of the capital cities, the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday region recorded $7.4 billion and the Hunter Valley, excluding Newcastle, recorded $6.7 billion.

By Local Government Area, Brisbane received the highest direct spend from the coal sector, followed by Mackay, Sydney, Newcastle, Maitland, Singleton and then Melbourne.

Coal Australia CEO Stuart Bocking said the scale of coal’s economic impact is extraordinary and few industries, if any, can match its economic footprint.

“These figures reflect the scale of Australia’s coal sector, which is one of the nation’s largest contributors to economic growth, jobs and export income. It also plays an important role in underpinning Australia’s AAA credit rating.

“This report puts hard numbers around the coal industry’s contribution and provides an independent benchmark for measuring it year after year,” Stuart said.

The Hunter Valley region had the highest number of direct employees with 10,661 followed by the Mackay-Isaac-Whitsunday region with 10,603. Central Queensland employed 7,729 full-time equivalent employees (FTEs) and Brisbane had 4,339 FTEs.

“Behind every mine are contractors, truck drivers, manufacturers, engineers, retailers and thousands of Australian families whose livelihoods depend on a strong coal industry,” Stuart said.

“Whether it’s keeping the lights on, producing the steel-making coal, or creating economic opportunity across the country, coal remains central to Australia’s prosperity. This report ensures that contribution is measured, understood and recognised.”